Medicinal leech therapy in neurosurgical practice

Abstract: Hirudo Medicinalis application in medicine has long been a matter of investigation since Hippocrates. The analgesic and anti-coagulant substances in the leeches' saliva are used in treatment of venous thrombosis and varicose veins, arthralgia, rheumatologic diseases, low back and cervical pains. Aeromonas infections, excessive bleeding, anemia, and allergic reactions are among the most common complications reported with leech therapy. The present study, reports leech therapy in two patients: one for sciatalgia and the other for deep venous thrombosis. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the literature on different aspects of leech therapy with special focus on its neurosurgical applications and related dysfunctions is presented.